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After Dismantling LeBron James’ Lakers, Nikola Jokic Gets Bestowed With Magic Johnson Honor Leaving the NBA Legend Heavily Impressed

Published 05/23/2023, 12:32 AM EDT

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The Denver Nuggets are finally there. In a night of history-making, the franchise made its first-ever NBA Finals. A horror first half didn’t stop Nikola Jokic from putting on a clinical performance to wipe away LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in mere four games. The Joker surpassed Wilt Chamberlain in this postseason and now awaits a chapter in the NBA Finals. Despite beating the very team he spent a career with, Magic Johnson didn’t hold back his praises.

He commended the Joker for altering the record books and closing out the series with what was a sensational clutch performance by the two-time MVP.

Nikola Jokic receives WCF MVP honors as Magic Johnson sings praises

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Jokic might have failed to win three straight regular-season MVPs, but tonight he received one of his most priced honors – the Western Conference Finals MVP. Getting his hands on his first-ever Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson Trophy, he now has the opportunity to add a championship to his already illustrious resume.

Breaking past Wilt Chamberlain’s single playoff triple-double record, Nikola Jokic closed out the Lakers in some style. He made clutch shots, set up his teammates, and in the end glued it all together. He finished the dreamy night with 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists, his 8th triple-double in these playoffs.

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“This trophy supposed to go to my teammates and coaches. They put me in this situation. I am just first among the equals,” said Jokic after hoisting the Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson Trophy.

The legend behind the honor himself, Magic lauded Jokic for his outstanding performance in the series-clinching Game 4. After Game 3 he issued an apology to the franchise for underestimating their capabilities. And tonight, he congratulated them for bursting to the Finals stage.

“Congratulations to Nikola Jokic for advancing to the Finals and breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s single-season playoff triple-double record with a 30-point, 14 rebounds, and 13-assist performance tonight!” wrote the five-time NBA champion.

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Nikola Jokic tore apart the Lakers in all facets of the game. His huge frame helped slow down Anthony Davis who has been a key contributor for the 2020 NBA champions. Apart from taking on the grueling defensive assignments, his offensive contributions proved to be decisive. The Joker averaged 27.8 points, 14.5 rebounds, and 11.8 assists in the WCF.

Angry LeBron James Loses His Temper at Nikola Jokic’s Teammate as Fight Breaks Out While Lakers Face Elimination in Game 4 vs Nuggets

But he surely isn’t alone. As he himself pointed out, it was a ‘collective’ effort that helped Denver reach its first-ever NBA finals. Without the right cast around, the Denver Nuggets might not have been in this position.

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WATCH THIS STORY: “He Had a Lot of Help”: Moments After Nikola Jokic Dismantles LeBron James and AD, Lakers Legend Magic Johnson Reacts to Nail-Biting Game 1 of WCF 2023

Their sights will now be set on the grand prize. Jokic and Co will compete to be called ‘champions’. Will it be the Miami Heat or the Boston Celtics who stand in their way? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

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Written by:

Anuj Talwalkar

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Anuj Talwalkar is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Having composed close to 2000 articles, he aspires to manage his own team one day and is pursuing a top-tier college-level management program specializing in sports. Anuj's love for basketball blossomed after he started following the NBA a few years ago, and he decided to merge his writing skills with his understanding of this thrilling game.
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Edited by:

Aayush Kapoor